Bikers jam Arizona Capitol for profiling bill hearing

PHOENIX -- A hearing room filled with patch-wearing motorcycle club members
broke out in cheers as an Arizona Senate committee passed a bill requiring
police to take training highlighting a ban on profiling of motorcyclists by law
enforcement officers.

Wednesday's hearing before the Senate public safety committee was prompted by
complaints from bikers who say they're frequently stopped by police for no
legitimate reason. Republican Sen. Judy Burges of Sun City West is the sponsor.

The executive director of the state board that certifies police officers
complained that the bill would prohibit some law enforcement action and make it
more difficult to train officers.

Committee chairman Sen. Chester Crandell warned the cheering bikers that the
bill still has a long way to go before it becomes law.